Philly archbishop to allow coed youth football

PHILADELPHIA — The archbishop of Philadelphia says he’ll allow the region’s Roman Catholic youth sports league to field coed football teams.

The decision announced Thursday comes in response to a request from an 11-year-old girl who’s been playing football since kindergarten.

Caroline Pla (plah) has played the past two years in a Catholic Youth Organization in suburban Bucks County. She learned during last season that an overlooked boys-only rule would be enforced next year.

Now, Archbishop Charles Chaput (SHAP’-yoo) says girls will be able to play football in the coming season. He says the approval is conditional and subject to review.

Pla’s mother says “it’s a great step for the future of the church.” She said Thursday afternoon that Caroline is still in school and hasn’t yet learned of the decision.